Abstract: An air nozzle assembly for use in associated combustion apparatus which includes a first elongated housing having first and second axial extremities. The first axial extremity thereof is open to the interior of the first housing and tapers axially from a larger to a smaller cross section that constitutes a generally flat nozzle at the first axial extremity. A second elongated housing has first and second axial extremities. The fist axial extremity is open to the interior of the second housing, at least the first axial extremity and an axial portion of the second elongated housing are dimensioned and configured to extend with at least the first axial portion disposed within the first elongated housing. The first axial portion tapers axially from a larger to a smaller cross section at the first axial extremity. The apparatus also includes means for selectively preventing flow in the second elongated housing.

Abstract: A furnace having a continuous ash discharge stoker which includes a fuel distributor apparatus for delivering associated particulate fuel to an associated continuous ash discharge furnace which includes a housing having an inlet for a particulate fuel and an inlet for pressurized air. The housing includes a surface for directing the flow of the associated particulate fuel and an outlet cooperating with the surface through which the associated particulate fuel and air exit the housing. The apparatus includes a nozzle dimensioned and configured to direct pressurized air along a face of the surface to establish a boundary layer between the surface and the associated particulate fuel flowing over the surface. In some forms of the invention the nozzle comprises first and second flat plates disposed in mutually parallel spaced relationship. The first and second flat plates may each be disposed in generally aligned relationship to at least a portion of the surface.

Abstract: An ash control valve apparatus, for use in a system that includes a fluidized-bed system, including a housing, a seat in the housing for passage of particulate material, a plug dimensioned and configured for mating engagement with the seat; and apparatus for moving the plug from a first position wherein the plug is disposed in seated engagement with the seat and a second position wherein the plug is disposed in spaced relationship to the seat. The apparatus for moving the plug includes apparatus for mounting the plug, that includes an elongated tube to which the plug is fixed. The apparatus for axially moving the tube includes a cylinder and piston assembly; and a clamp engaging the tube and operatively connected to the cylinder of the cylinder and piston assembly.

Abstract: A syngas cooler apparatus includes an elongated generally cylindrical pressure vessel having an axial extremity that is a top end during normal operation of the cooler and an axial extremity that is a bottom end during normal operation of the cooler. A laterally extending support member extends within the pressure vessel proximate to the top end and front, back, and two side walls define at least one flow channel in the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the flow channel. A pendant heat exchanger surface comprising a plurality of loops is disposed in the flow channel. Each of the loops is formed from tubing and the major portion of the entire axial extent of the tubing are rectilinear axial sections that are disposed with the axes thereof substantially in a vertical plan during normal operation. The pendant is disposed in the flow channel intermediate the inlet and the outlet and is supported solely from the laterally extending support member.

Abstract: An ash control valve apparatus for use in a system that includes a fluidized-bed system which includes a housing, a seat in the housing for passage of particulate material, a plug dimensioned and configured for mating engagement with the seat, and apparatus for moving the plug from a first position wherein the plug is disposed in seated engagement with the seat to a second position wherein the plug is disposed in spaced relationship to the seat. The apparatus for moving the plug includes apparatus for mounting the plug that includes an elongated tube to which the plug is fixed. The apparatus for mounting includes a plurality of axially extending ribs disposed on the circumference of the elongated tube and a plurality of channels disposed in a bore in the plug.